Georgianne

"On February 15, 2010, I had my annual mammogram. Because it revealed some suspicious masses, I was scheduled for a biopsy. In 2007, I had undergone a biopsy for a similar mass and it was determined to be a calcification only so I wasn't really concerned when my doctor contacted me to discuss the results. Optimistic by nature, I went to the appointment alone, not imagining that I would need someone there to support me. I was not prepared for the doctor's words that day--'You have breast cancer.' Nonetheless, my optimism helped me then and has helped me through my journey thus far, during the toughest time of my life. Perhaps it was a blessing that I had no idea what was to come.Life is a roller coaster; however, I found myself on the down side when I did not qualify for disability. I wanted to remain positive and hopeful during my treatment, but I began to worry about money. Our finances were already strained, and the costs of co-payments, medicines, and gas for travel were becoming a burden. I trusted in God and I prayed daily that my husband's job would remain stable enough to support us.One day while searching for websites that assist breast cancer patients, I happened to find Circle of Hope. From that first phone call, I felt reassured and knew that I had hope. While my initial inquiry was about aid for my medical expenses, I received unexpected emotional support from the staff. They cared about me and I felt it. I was provided with valuable knowledge and guidance, and I hadn't even applied yet! After becoming a client, I received help with medical expenses and was relieved to have some of my financial burden lifted so I could concentrate on getting well. Knowing that I could Circle of Hope if I needed to ask a question or just talk provided me with peace of mind.In July, the roller coaster again veered into a sudden downturn--my husband was laid off. Not only did we lose his income, but we lost his medical insurance. Now I face the most frightening health issue of my life--the possibility of not finishing my treatment. I worried about losing the quality care I received through Kaiser. At my most depressed point, I imagined I would die. Again, I called Circle of Hope and explained my situation and again, they gave me hope. They were able to pay my COBRA premiums so I could complete treatment and stay focused on my care. If it weren't for this organization, I don't know where I would be now. God is good and finding an organization like Circle of Hope confirms it. I can rest assured that until I am able to obtain other insurance, my treatment and post-radiation follow up will be covered. That takes a huge burden off my already, at times, heavy heart.Thank you to everyone at Circle of Hope for being their to sustain my optimism, financially and emotionally. I well up with tears of joy and gratitude as I think about everything you are doing. I look forward getting back into 'life' again soon and finding a way to give back."

 

 

Linda P.

"First, I would like to say that I wish every breast cancer patient in the world could have Circle of Hope in their lives. Being diagnosed with breast cancer is such a stressful, scary entry into the unknown, but Circle of Hope was behind me 110%.  In October of 2010, I discovered a lump in my left breast. After mammograms, sonograms and a biopsy, it was confirmed that of three lumps, two were positive. A lumpectomy revealed that it wasn't actually two lumps but one 6.5 cm mass with suspicion on the right breast. I proceeded with a bilateral mastectomy and reconstruction. Having endured this, I thought treatment was finished and the cancer was gone, only to find out that I would have to undergo six heavy rounds of chemotherapy and a full round of Herceptin for the HER2 gene I carried. This meant another surgery to insert a Port-A-Cath which would allow for medication infusion every 21 days for a full year. Along with the stress of thinking about chemo, dealing with its side effects and losing my hair, I was shaken to the core wondering how I could pay for it all.  I was on disability from work and still had insurance, but even with insurance I wondered how I was going to keep up with costs such as co-payments, surgeries, chemo, surgeons, hospital bills, tests, and labs.  I had great moral support from my friends, my sons, a superb medical team, a neighbor that everyone should be lucky enough to have, and even my ex-husband. In spite of this emotional support, I still didn't know how I was going to manage the overwhelming stress and financial obligation. As I started researching some of the major organizations, someone mentioned Circle of Hope, which happened to be right in my own backyard in Santa Clarita.  I called Circle of Hope and spoke with Jennifer Bench, their Client Advocate. She explained the application process and informed me that they could help me, and did they ever! I still cry when I think of the day this sweetheart of a woman told me all the ways they could help me. I cried tears of relief! They have helped me with insurance, co-pays, chemo, and all with loving care. I am more grateful to Circle of Hope than I can ever explain. They have been more help than those great big organizations. Along with financial help, they also provide more kindness and compassion than you could imagine.  I am still in treatment and have a few more rounds to go, but I'm looking forward to the wonderful day in March of 2012 when I get my port removed. It has been a long road, and I really do not know how I could have done this without Circle of Hope. The relief from stress that they have provided during one of the most stressful times of my life has been amazing.  I look forward to the day I can give back to Circle of Hope. They are the greatest organization in terms of help and compassion. I feel so blessed to have found Circle of Hope, and I truly will never be able to thank them enough for their compassion, kindness and financial assistance. Thank you, Circle of Hope, from the deepest part of my heart for the help you have given me."